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October 2012 Newsletter Index:
Alelo Launches New Website
New Markets: The International Research Foundation for English Language Education
TIRF conducts studies and disseminates research relating to English language education, including English for Specific Purposes, or occupational English, a niche that Alelo is now pursuing. Dr. Bailey agreed that there is significant potential for Alelo's simulation-based approach in many industries, and she was excited to hear that Alelo is already exploring the hospitality field. Acknowledging a global need for greater cultural awareness and language facility, Dr. Bailey agreed that hotels in particular need well-trained staff to attend to a diverse, culturally sensitive clientele. Alelo's technology and methodology are particularly well-suited for teaching these skills to people in corporate environments with limited proficiency in English, and we plan to follow this initial venture into the hospitality area with initiatives in other industries. Alelo's work is in line with TIRF's current focus on promoting research and best practices to improve the use of English in the emerging global knowledge economy of the 21st century. "Mission to Senegal" Wins Prize at Serious Play Conference
In recognition of this dual achievement, Alelo's multiplayer language learning role-playing game "Mission to Senegal" won the Bronze Award for the Government/Military category at the Serious Play Conference 2012. Developed by Alelo with contributions from Full Control ApS (www.fullcontrol.dk), "Mission to Senegal" is part of the Integrated System for Language Education and Training (ISLET) effort, a collaboration with the Academic Consortium for Global Education (www.acge.org), sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. This innovative online role-playing game combines video game design with Alelo's instructional social simulation technology and speech-understanding system to create an immersive, story-driven learning experience. CLICK HERE to watch a informational video. Featuring over four hours of game play for 1-4 players, "Mission to Senegal" offers instruction in the French language and Senegalese culture. Players receive points for proper use of French in conversations with game characters, which allows them to advance in the game and also enhances their status in the social community of language learners. Game features include multiplayer conversations, hints, player skills, an advancement system, character persistence, items, cultural objects, mini-games, and world exploration—all integrated with the main storyline and the game's language learning objectives. New Frontiers: Alelo's Virtual Role Player technology
Department of Defense Renews Phase III Support Contract with Alelo
New! Virtual Cultural Awareness Trainers (VCAT)
"Alelo is thrilled to have been chosen to develop another set of VCATs for JKO," said Dr. Lewis Johnson, Alelo's co-founder, CEO and chief scientist. "We look forward to supporting JKO's ongoing commitment to providing world-class training products." Widely used by U.S. service members, Alelo's task-based social simulations have been recognized as a highly effective means for increasing users' linguistic and cultural competency. This success has fueled the company's expansion into international markets, with direct government sales to Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as sales to non-government organizations in the product development arena. Danish Simulator Receives European Union Language Award
The DS project was developed to test whether the simulator could replace a given percentage of traditional teacher-based Danish classes at language centers in Denmark without lowering the quality or effectiveness of instruction provided by an actual teacher. The report concluded that, based on the target of "increasing efficiency and creating savings without compromising the quality of the delivered service," the project was a success. In the words of a Norwegian member of the panel, “It is different from anything we’ve seen before, it is extremely innovative and aims at making the integration of new fellow countrymen easier than by any other means available today. It uses the entire spectrum of technological possibilities available today, but puts technology second and pedagogy first — as such, it is a prime example of sensible use of technology in the service of education.” >> CLICK HERE to wacth an informational video about the Danish Simulator. Alelo featured in Military Training Technology magazine
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Index
On September 15th, Alelo representatives met with TIRF President Kathi Bailey and TIRF's Executive Assistant Ryan Damerow to discuss common research interests, needs assessment strategies, and critical sectors of the workforce. 
The Danish Simulator (DS), an online language and culture training platform based on Alelo technology and previous work on the Digital Pronunciation Trainer (DPT), has received the prestigious EU Language Award. Considered the European seal of quality for achievements in language learning, the Language Award recognizes projects that are innovative, effective, and able to deliver transferrable results. The award panel determined that the 
Upcoming tradeshows conferences and events on the Alelo calendar